Dear Readers,

A new Tuesday, a new blog post on Call Her Stylish. Today I came up with a very exciting idea that I have wanted to write about for a long time now. I talk a lot about patterns on the blog, but I never really got into detail about them, how we should see them and how we can make the best of them. But, you know what they say, better late than never. 

Mixing patterns in your outfits can take your style game to the next level, but it can also be tricky to master. What I love about pattern mixing is that it is timeless and there are so many possibilities to play around with. It just never gets out of style and it can easily create a unique and personal look if it is done right. If you’ve been hesitant to try it, don’t worry—this guide will help you navigate the art of pattern mixing with ease. Let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of this exciting fashion trend.

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The first step if you are not a pro already, is to start small. 

The best way to start understanding patterns is to begin with subtle patterns and pair them with solids to ease into the trend. For example, try a striped shirt with a floral scarf or polka dot flats. This look creates an aligning, yet interesting pair, while only playing around with only two different prints, that are not too bold for a casual look.

Although, if you want to dive into too many different patterns at the same time, the outcome might not be as pleasing. You have to understand how patterns can work together first, to create something you are actually proud of. My advice is to take small steps and build your confidence around the idea first. 

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The second most important thing is to try to stick to a color palette.

Choose patterns that share similar or complementary colors. This creates a cohesive and polished look. For instance, pairing a navy plaid blazer with a baby blue and white striped shirt ties the patterns together seamlessly, because the colors look good together, as they are complementary ones. This is a really easy way to understand and be more intentional around them. Tip: Select different patterns from your wardrobe that go together color wise and try to pair them as you wish and like. This way, it is hard to fail, since the colors are from the same palette, they will instantly pair with one another. 

However, mixing prints with clashing color schemes can come out kind of harsh, unless you’re intentionally going for an avant-garde statement look.

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Third, try to combine different scales. 

The way to unlock this skill is to mix large, bold prints with smaller, more delicate ones. For example, pair wide-striped pants with a t-shirt featuring tiny polka dots or floral details. Tiny and itemized prints can be easier to play around with, as they are not too much of a statement, so you can complement them with more structured and bold ones. My favorite pair from my wardrobe is pairing my delicate blue striped shirt with leopard print. This duo works well, as leopard print is a statement and bold pattern, yet the shirt is closer to something neutral. 

But, it is easy to go over with the flow and try to combine two large-scale patterns that can compete for attention and make your outfit look overwhelming, so keep an eye on the details. 

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One of the most important parts of pattern mixing is to ​​use neutrals as anchors in the outfit. 

Incorporate neutral tones like black, white, beige, or gray to balance busy prints. A neutral blazer or pair of shoes can ground your look and make the patterns have their moment and that can result in an extremely chic, but outstanding look. 

Importantly, do not try to overdo bright or contrasting patterns without something neutral to anchor the outfit.

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We all know that style is all about the details, so do not forget, that textures matter. 

I like to play with textured patterns like tweed, jacquard, or embossed fabrics alongside printed designs. A tweed jacket with a printed blouse can add dimension to your outfit. There are plenty of textures that can work with different prints and make a cohesive and lovely look in the end. 

But, for that you have to pay attention not to combine textures that clash, like shiny metallics with heavy knits, unless you’re going for a very specific high-fashion aesthetic. Two really hard textures can make an outcome of something messy, if it is not something that fits into your personal aesthetic. 

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Fashion rule of patterns: two or three.

If you are just trying to find your way around pattern mixing, I advise you to limit the number of patterns in one outfit to two or three. For example, pair a patterned skirt with a printed shirt and keep the rest of your look simple. These two will create an intentional pair, without losing control over the look. 

Don’t Overload your outfit with too many patterns that can make it look chaotic.

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Overall

Mixing patterns is an art that’s easier than it looks when you follow these simple guidelines. The most important tip? Confidence is your best accessory. Experiment, practice, and embrace your unique style. With time, you’ll master the balance of boldness and sophistication that makes pattern mixing such a standout trend. The best way to get into pattern mixing is to visualize, create a pinterest board with ideas that you like and align with your personal style. This can make your process more effective and intentional. Create, with what you already have, do not buy new stuff, just because of pattern mixing, because it will make it harder to find the balance with your clothes. And most importantly, practice, this is a skill, so you have to experiment to become a pro in it. Try out combinations and take mirror selfies, so you can analyze what you like and don’t like in a certain outfit and seek inspiration in the process, from anything that caught your attention.

If you tried out any form of pattern mixing, feel free to tag @callherstylish on Instagram, so we can share each other’s uniqueness and style.